Paint film mottling prediction method, a paint film mottling prediction program, a computer readable storage medium, and a paint film mottling prediction apparatus

ABSTRACT

Paint film mottling of a blended paint is predicted by substituting a glitter representing value and color values into a paint film mottling prediction formula. The disclosed prediction method is computerized with a computer-executable program and a computer-readable storing medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a paint film mottling prediction method, a paint film mottling prediction program, a computer readable storage medium, and a paint film mottling prediction apparatus.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] It is practiced that colors are blended such that a color desired by a user is obtained. For example, a selection support method of automobile shell plate paint colors using a personal computer has been disclosed by the patent reference 1, where a color can be selected from predetermined sample colors that include solid system paint colors and metallic system paint colors in a state where the sample colors are applied to the shell plate, and the paint combination of the selected sample color can be easily determined. However, according to the selection support method of automobile shell plate paint color of the patent reference 1, there is a problem that the colors available for selection are defined beforehand.

[0005] In order to fill versatile needs of customers, an automatic color blending of paints for automobile repair has been disclosed by the patent reference 2. However, the invention disclosed by the patent reference 2 does not take into consideration paint performance and paint film performance of the blended paint. Therefore, there is a problem in that even if the blended color meets with customer satisfaction, the paint performance of the blended paint may be poor, or the paint film performance may be poor for practical use.

[0006] Then, the paint finish performance, paint film performance, and paint material performance of an actually blended paint are tested, and only successful paints are provided to the customers. However, user preference is highly diversified, and the number of colors required by users can be as great as the number of the users. For this reason, past data are often useless, and testing of each color is required, resulting in the need for a large amount of manpower and time.

[0007] Under situations as described above, it is highly desired that a calculation formula (prediction formula) be established such that performance of a blended paint is predicted, and only a successful blending is provided to the users.

[0008] In order to determine successful blending without performance problems, information about performance, such as the paint finish performance, the paint film performance, and the paint material performance, is quantified and evaluated based on past actual results, etc. Here, the paint finish performance is related to smoothness, gloss, mottling, sagging, pinholes, workability to a production line, etc; the paint film performance is related to durability (degree of degradation due to the sunlight), corrosion resistance (degree of degradation due to rust and water), adhesion, chipping nature, hardness, electric resistance, gloss, chemical resistance, etc.; and the paint material performance is related to storage durability, dilution stability, circulation-proof nature, etc.

[0009] In this manner, performance of a blended paint is predictable, and whether an acceptable quality of the paint is obtainable can be determined using the information described above, so that the problem about time and effort is solved.

[0010] However, in the case where a paint contains glittering color material (such as metal flakes and pearlescent mica), the color of the paint changes with viewing angle, and evaluation of the mottling is especially difficult.

[0011] In this connection, the patent reference 3 discloses “A paint mottling determination method of a metallic paint film”, wherein by an irradiation process, a laser light having a beam diameter of 5-to-10 mm is irradiated to the surface of a target (to be measured) paint film of a metallic paint. The laser light is irradiated at a predetermined angle of incidence, and by a light-receiving process, the laser light reflected by the target paint film is received. The irradiation process and the light-receiving process are carried out at two or more contiguous spots that are apart from each other by a distance equal to or smaller than the laser beam diameter, and optical brightness of the reflected light that is received is calculated at two or more predetermined wavelengths, which process is repeated for all the spots. According to the optical brightness at the predetermined wavelengths of all the spots, the degree of paint mottling is determined.

[0012] Further, the patent reference 4 discloses “A mottling determination apparatus and an evaluation method of metallic paints” wherein a light is irradiated to a target paint surface, the brightness of the reflected light is continually measured, the reflected light being received at angles at which mirror reflection light is not received (i.e., the specularly reflected light being excepted), and a degree of mottling of the surface of the target paint is determined by calculating (1) the difference between the brightness of the received light that exceeds an average of the measured brightness by a predetermined amount, and the brightness that is less than the average of the measured brightness by the predetermined amount, and (2) the distance between the spot that gives the brightness that exceeds the average by the predetermined amount, and the spot that gives the brightness that is less than the average by the predetermined amount.

[0013] [Patent reference 1]

[0014] JP, 11-66119, A

[0015] [Patent Reference 2]

[0016] JP, 10-324829, A

[0017] [Patent Reference 3]

[0018] JP, 5-288690, A

[0019] [Patent Reference 4]

[0020] JP, 9-318448, A

PROBLEM(S) TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0021] Nevertheless, according to the inventions disclosed by the patent references 3 and 4 presented above, the amount of reflected light is measured only along a predetermined line on the paint film, and only the brightness is considered in determining the mottling. For this reason, precision of the mottling determination is not sufficient. In other words, the mottling, which essentially is a two-dimensional characteristic, is determined based only on measurement data along a line (one dimension) and only on the brightness, and the mottling of the surface in two dimensions cannot be properly determined.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a paint film mottling prediction method, a paint film mottling prediction program, a computer-readable storage medium, and a paint film mottling prediction apparatus that substantially obviate one or more of the problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0023] Features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by practice of the invention according to the teachings provided in the description. Objects as well as other features and advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by the paint film mottling prediction method, the paint film mottling prediction program, the computer-readable storage medium, and the paint film mottling prediction apparatus particularly pointed out in the specification in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention.

[0024] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides, inter alia, a paint film mottling prediction method wherein a glitter representing value and color values acquired based on information of blended paints are substituted into a paint film mottling prediction formula, as detailed below.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0025] In order to solve the problem, the present invention provides as follows.

[0026] The paint film mottling prediction method according to the present invention uses a paint film mottling prediction formula into which a glittering value that expresses properties of a brightness image of a paint film, and color values of the paint film are substituted. For this purpose, the present invention provides a step for acquiring blending information (wherein the blending information is obtained from paint film information of paint films with reference to a blending information database in which the blending information is stored), and a step for acquiring the glitter representing value and the color values of the paint film (wherein the glitter representing value and/or the color values are obtained from the blending information with reference to a paint film mottling forecast database in which the glitter representing value and the color values are stored). In this manner, the paint film mottling prediction method is provided.

[0027] According to the present invention, the paint film mottling prediction formula is generated through steps as follows; an image generation step for generating a brightness image of the paint film by irradiating a light to the paint film, and receiving the light reflected by the paint film, a glitter representing value calculation step for calculation a glitter representing value that expressed properties of the brightness image generated at the image generation step, a color value acquisition step for acquiring color values at predetermined light-receiving angles of the light reflected by the paint film based on colorimetry separately performed, and a visual evaluation value acquisition step for acquiring a visual evaluation value of the paint film mottling separately evaluated. In this manner, the paint film mottling calculation formula generated based on the glitter representing value, the color values, and the visual evaluation value provides an accurate paint film mottling calculation.

[0028] An aspect of the present invention is characterized by generating the paint film mottling prediction formula using QSAR analysis. In this manner, a mottling prediction formula suitable for a customer can be obtained.

[0029] An aspect of the present invention is characterized by defining the glitter representing value as a total of gradation step values of the brightness image to which spatial-frequency differential processing is carried out. In this manner, the glitter representing value can be easily obtained.

[0030] An aspect of the present invention is characterized by using one of a Sobel filter, a Roberts filter, and a Laplacian filter as the spatial-frequency differential process. In this manner, commercially available software can be employed to obtain the glitter representing value.

[0031] An aspect of the present invention is characterized by using at least one of the color values obtained by irradiating a light to the paint film and receiving the light reflected by the paint film at predetermined light-receiving angles, namely, at least one of a chroma value, an FF value of the chroma value, a brightness value, an FF value of the brightness value, a hue angle of the predetermined angles, and a hue angle difference. In this manner, the mottling value can be accurately predicted.

[0032] The present invention also provides a paint film mottling prediction program for a computer to execute, wherein the glitter representing value and the color values are substituted into the paint film mottling prediction formula. In this manner, the paint film mottling prediction is facilitated.

[0033] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores the paint film mottling prediction program of the present invention. By substituting the glitter representing value and the color values acquired from the blending information of paints to be blended into the paint film mottling prediction formula stored in the computer-readable storage medium, a predicted mottling value of a blended paint film is obtained.

[0034] The present invention provides a paint film mottling prediction apparatus for predicting the paint film mottling based on the glitter representing value and the color values, the paint film mottling prediction apparatus including a blending information database, a paint film mottling forecast database, blending information acquisition means for acquiring the blending information from the blending information database, and paint film information acquisition means for acquiring the glitter representing value and/or the color values from the blending information referring to the paint film mottling forecast database. In this manner, the paint film mottling prediction apparatus is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035]FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a process for generating a formula for calculating paint film mottling;

[0036]FIG. 2 is a chart for explaining calculation of a hue angle;

[0037]FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process for generating basic data;

[0038]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an application process of a correlation formula;

[0039]FIG. 5 is a table showing pigment compositions (PWC);

[0040]FIG. 6 is a table showing paint conditions;

[0041]FIG. 7 is a table listing examples of colorimetry values and color values of paint films;

[0042]FIG. 8 is a table showing examples of results of QSAR analysis;

[0043]FIG. 9 is graph showing correlation of visual mottling to calculated mottling;

[0044]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a paint film mottling prediction apparatus;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] In the following, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] (Generating the Paint Film Mottling Calculation Formula)

[0047] The paint film mottling prediction is carried out by substituting data that influence the paint film mottling of the paint into a paint film mottling calculation formula. Accordingly, if one is already available, that one can be used. If, on the other hand, no calculation formulas are available, one has to be generated. In the following, a process for generating a paint film mottling calculation formula is explained.

[0048]FIG. 1 shows a process for generating the paint film mottling calculation, the process including step S10 for preparing and evaluating paint films painted on panels, step S11 for calculating the glitter representing value, step S12 for measuring colors (colorimetry) and calculating color values, step S13 for calculating color values using CCM (computer color matching) technique, and step S14 for generating the paint film mottling calculation formula. Here, as for the steps S12 and S13, either is to be performed.

[0049] The process is explained in sequence.

[0050] At step S10, painted panels for generating the paint film mottling calculation formula are prepared as follows.

[0051] (1) A plurality of paints using different glittering color materials and color pigments is prepared. The greater the number of paints that are prepared, the higher is the correlation obtained between visual mottling values and calculated mottling values.

[0052] (2) Then, panels are painted with the paints prepared as above such that a paint film is formed on the painted panels. At this time, plural panels are painted with the same paint under different spraying conditions, which is repeated for all the paints.

[0053] (3) The panels to be prepared are in dimensions of 300×400 mm or more to facilitate visual evaluation of mottling.

[0054] Further, visual evaluation of mottling is performed concerning the painted panels prepared as above, and visual evaluation data, which are values, are stored in a visual-mottling database. The visual mottling values stored in the visual mottling database serve as parameters at step S14 that will be explained below.

[0055] Step S11 includes step S11 a for an image measuring process and step S11 b for a brightness measuring process, either of which is to be performed. Step S11 a further includes step S11 a 1 for taking in an image, and step S11 a 2 for processing the image.

[0056] At step S11 a 1, images of the painted panels prepared at step S10 are taken in using an image taking-in apparatus, such as a scanner, a CCD camera, and an image pick-up apparatus with appropriate software for taking in images. Then, the images are saved with suitable file names attached.

[0057] At step S11 a 2, a pretreatment, such as noise removal, is carried out on the images taken in at step S11 a 1, and a pseudo-glitter representing value is extracted by image-processing software such as a Sobel filter, a Roberts filter, and a Laplacian filter that performs a spatial-frequency differential process. Subsequently, a glitter representing value of the image is calculated.

[0058] An example of calculation for obtaining the glitter representing value is as follows.

[0059] (1) Gradation step values are totaled, and the sum is used as the glitter representing value, the gradation step values being those of the image on which the spatial-frequency differential processing is performed.

[0060] (2) After suitable pretreatment, such as noise removal, a gradation step value that has the maximum frequency (the number of occurrences is the greatest) is made to be the glitter representing value, the gradation step value excepting the white value and the black value.

[0061] As indicated above, the alternative is that in step S11 the process proceeds to step S11 b for the brightness measuring process. At step S11 b, a pseudo-glitter representing value is obtained using a method for continuously measuring the brightness of the paint film, which is prepared at step S10, based on the amount of the receiving light that is a specularly reflected by the paint film, for example, ALCOPE made by Kansai Paint Engineering Company is used.

[0062] Next, color values are acquired using one of steps S12 and S13 (refer to FIG. 1).

[0063] Step S12 includes colorimetry step S121 and a color value calculation step S122.

[0064] At the colorimetry step S121, the paint films of the painted panels prepared at step S10 are measured using a variable angle color meter (a calorimeter), and calorimetric values are obtained. Measurement conditions are the incident-light angle being set at 45 degrees, light-receiving angles being set at 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 45 degrees, 75 degrees, and 110 degrees. At this time, CIELAB is used as the color coordinate system in this example.

[0065] Then, the color value calculation process step S122 is performed using the colorimetric values obtained at step S121. Here, the color values to be used are L*, a*, and b* values measured at 15, 25, 45, 75, and 110 degrees, and values calculated therefrom (refer to FIG. 7).

[0066] Based on the calorimetric values measured at step S121, each color value is calculated at step S122 according to the following formulae.

[0067] a. C* value at 15 degrees=(15 degree (a*)²+15 degree(b*)²)^(0.5)

[0068] b. C* value at 25 degrees=(25 degree (a*)²+25 degree(b*)²)^(0.5)

[0069] c. C* value at 45 degrees=(45 degree (a*)²+45 degree(b*)²)^(0.5)

[0070] d. C* value at 75 degrees=(75 degree (a*)²+75 degree(b*)²)^(0.5)

[0071] e. C* value at 110 degrees=(110 degree (a*)²+110 degree(b*)²)^(0.5)

[0072] f. C* value FF=(C* value at 15 degrees−C* value at 110 degrees)

[0073] g. hue angle difference [hue angle at 15 degrees−hue angle at 110 degrees]=(15 degree hue angle)−(110 degree hue angle)

[0074] h. 15 degree hue angle

[0075] i. 25 degree hue angle

[0076] j. 45 degree hue angle

[0077] k. 75 degree hue angle

[0078] l. 110 degree hue angle

[0079] m. Brightness FF=(L* value at 15 degrees−L* value at 110 degrees)

[0080] Here, a hue angle is calculated as follows depending on to which quadrant the hue angle belongs (refer to FIG. 2 showing a*−b* plane.)

[0081] The hue angle in the 1st quadrant is expressed by tan⁻¹(b*/a*).

[0082] The hue angle in the 2nd quadrant is expressed by tan⁻¹(−a*/b*)+90 degrees.

[0083] The hue angle in the 3rd quadrant is expressed by tan⁻¹(b*/a*)+180 degrees.

[0084] The hue angle in the 4th quadrant is expressed by tan⁻¹(a*/−b*)+270 degrees.

[0085] Following the color value measurement step S12, the paint film mottling calculation formula is generate at step S14.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 1, step S13, which can be dispensed with if the step S12 is performed, is for acquiring the color values by CCM (computer color matching) using a CCM database that stores multi-angle spectral-reflectance data (goniospectral reflectance data) of coloring pigments and glittering color materials, which can also determine colors to be blended for obtaining a predetermined color.

[0087] In the CCM database, information concerning a peculiar wavelength, reflection factor data, etc., of each of the coloring pigments and glittering pigments is stored such that a blending ratio can be determined. Accordingly, if a blending ratio of the pigments used for a combination is given, the color values can be acquired.

[0088] Next, step S14 for generating the calculation formula of paint film mottling is explained (refer to FIG. 1).

[0089] Since the mottling is dependent on psychophysical values, such as glitter and hue, a correlation formula between the visual mottling and the psychophysical values obtained by measurements is to be established. This is the difference between the present invention using psychophysical values and conventional practices considering only physical values, such as the brightness of the reflective light. In other words, since the visual mottling is not a physical value but a psychophysical value, the present invention aims at obtaining correspondence of visually measured mottling values to calculated mottling values by defining a correlation formula wherein the psychophysical values and the visual mottling are considered.

[0090] In the present invention, the formula for calculating paint film mottling is obtained as follows.

[0091] (1) First, a visual mottling value y is defined as a function of factors x1 through xn. Here, as the factors x1 through xn, the glitter representing value acquired at the glitter representing value calculation step S11, the colorimetric values acquired at the colorimetry step S121, and the color values acquired at the color value calculation step S122 are used (refer to FIG. 7).

[0092] (2) A table listing y, and x1 through xn, such as shown by FIG. 7, is generated.

[0093] (3) Using QSAR analysis software, the table described as above (2), which lists the results and the factors, is analyzed, and a correlation formula is obtained, wherein factors x1 that give high correlation to y are selectively used, as shown by FIG. 8.

[0094] (4) In this manner, the mottling of the paint films is numerically expressed (i.e., quantified) using the correlation formula.

[0095] ((5) The correlation formula varies with kinds of data (properties of the paint film) to be used for analysis, and factors for analysis.

[0096] Therefore, by using painted panels provided by a customer, correlation formulas suitable for the customer can be generated.

[0097] Further, a mottling value that meets the requirement of the customer can be calculated by using the correlation formula.

[0098] Although the case wherein the color values are obtained using CCM at step S13 is explained, if a “paint film mottling forecast database” that is described below at “Basic data origination” is already prepared, the glitter representing value and the color values can be acquired from the paint film mottling forecast database, and the process of step S11 is dispensed with.

[0099] (Basic Data Origination)

[0100] As mentioned above, the blending information of the paint concerned can be determined by referring to the CCM database. Further, based on the blending information, the glitter representing value and the color values of the paint can be determined, the values affecting the paint film mottling of the paint concerned. Further, the visual mottling evaluation rank y can be calculated using the glitter representing value and the color values of the paint.

[0101] Therefore, in order to predict paint film mottling of a paint film based on the blending information of a blended paint, the glitter representing value and the color values of each pigment and glittering color material contained in the paint must be beforehand acquired.

[0102] Further, since the precision of the paint film mottling prediction is improved if the glitter representing value and the color values of the blended paint are used, the glitter representing value and the color values of a blended paint, the paint film mottling of which is to be measured, are beforehand acquired.

[0103] Then, the glitter representing value and the color values of the blended paint, or the coloring pigments and glittering color materials contained in the blended paint are measured.

[0104] Generation of the basic data for each color material is explained with reference to FIG. 3. The basic data are generated through a process including step S30 for preparing painted panels, step S31 for calculating the glitter representing value, step S32 for measuring the color values, step S33 for storing the glitter representing value, and S34 for storing the color values. Here, step S32 can be eliminated if predetermined color values of the color material are available in the CCM database.

[0105] Steps S30 through S34 are explained in sequence.

[0106] At step S30, panels painted with various glittering paints in various pigment density are prepared, which panels are used to determine the glitter representing value and the color values of each paint, the values being used in predicting the paint film mottling. Here, the panels are painted under the same paint conditions as described in connection with step S10 (preparation of painted panels for generating the paint film mottling calculation formula). Here, each panel may be painted with an individual paint, or with a blended paint.

[0107] Subsequently, step S31 for calculating the glitter representing value is performed, which is the same process as step S11 for calculating the glitter representing value, and the glitter representing value is obtained.

[0108] At step S32, the calorimetric values are measured by the same method as described for step S12 using a variable angle colorimeter, and the color values are calculated from the colorimetric values. As mentioned above, step S32 can be dispensed with if predetermined color values are available in the CCM database for the color material used for combination.

[0109] Subsequently, at step S33, the glitter representing value as calculated above is stored, and at step S34, the color values as obtained above are stored in association with the pigment and the glittering color material in the paint film mottling forecast database.

[0110] The process shown in FIG. 3 is performed for each color material such that the basic data are stored in the paint film mottling forecast database.

[0111] Further, the basic data of blended paints can also be generated and stored by the same process as above.

[0112] (Application of the Correlation Formula (the Paint Film Mottling Prediction Formula))

[0113] The paint film mottling calculation formula generated as above is used to obtain the paint film mottling as explained in the following.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 4, the correlation formula (the paint film mottling prediction formula) is used to obtain the paint film mottling, the process of which includes step S40 for determining colors, step S41 for acquiring blending information, step S42 for acquiring the glitter representing value and color values, and step S43 for substituting into the correlation formula to obtain the mottling value.

[0115] At step S40, a user, for example, specifies a color using a personal computer, and determines a specified color. The color coordinate systems in which the color is specified can be one of CIELAB, RGB, XYZ, etc.

[0116] At step S41, color blending for the specified color is obtained referring to the blending information database 10.

[0117] At step S42, the glitter representing value and color values are obtained from a glitter representing value database 20, and a color value database 30, respectively, which databases comprise a paint film mottling forecast database.

[0118] Subsequently, at step S43, the glitter representing value and color values acquired at step S42 are substituted into the correlation formula (paint film mottling prediction formula) obtained at step S14, and the paint film mottling value is obtained.

[0119] Although the glitter representing value and the color values substituted into the correlation formula are estimated from the paint blending information and glittering material information in the explanation above, these values may be obtained by measuring sample painted panels, or actual items such as cars.

EXAMPLE

[0120] Next, the embodiments of the present invention actually experimented with are explained with reference to the attached drawings.

[0121] (A. Preparation of Painted Panels)

[0122] (1) Preparation of Painted Panels for Generating Basic Data

[0123] About 80 different waterborne paints for automobile 2-coat 1-bake were prepared, pigment composition (pwc) of which was 10 parts of an acrylic resin, 30 parts of a melamine resin, and 40 parts of a urethane system emulsion. FIG. 5 shows seven paints selected from the “about 80 paints”, the seven paints being identified by A020001, A020002, A020005, A020007, A020008, A020009 and A020010, respectively.

[0124] (2) Painting

[0125] The paints prepared at (1) above were applied to panels using a bell type paint machine “ABB1N1072F” made by ABB under conditions described in FIG. 6. The panels were prepared in dimensions of 300 mm×400 mm; and electrodeposition for cars and middle coating were applied to the panels. The panels were preheated at 80 degrees C. for 3 minutes; a clear top coat was painted on the panels; and baking was performed on the panels at 140 degrees C. for 30 minutes.

[0126] Here, the painting included two base coating steps, with a 90 second interval in-between.

[0127] (B. Measurement of the Glitter Representing Value)

[0128] (1) Taking in of an Image

[0129] Image taking-in software and a flat bed scanner (Canoscan D2400U) were used to take in the image of the painted panels prepared above (at A. Preparing paint film) to a personal computer as bit map data having resolution of 300 dpi and a 256-step gray scale.

[0130] (2) Image Processing

[0131] Using image-processing software (Adobe Photoshop), both edges containing a large amount of noise were removed from the image that was taken in above (at B. (1) Taking in of an image), then a Sobel filter was applied. After a post-treatment, the image was quantified (made to be numerically expressed) based on the frequency of edge detection, and the like, and the quantified value was made to serve as the glitter representing value.

[0132] In addition, the glitter representing value of the paint was calculated by the following formula. $\begin{matrix} {{{The}\quad {glitter}\quad {representing}\quad {value}\quad {of}\quad a\quad {paint}} = {\left( {{the}\quad {glitter}\quad {representing}\quad {value}\quad {of}\quad {each}\quad {glittering}\quad {material}\quad \times \quad {content}\quad {ratio}\quad {of}\quad {the}\quad {glittering}\quad {material}} \right) \times \quad {ratio}\quad {of}\quad {the}\quad {glittering}\quad {material}\quad {to}\quad {all}\quad {the}\quad {pigments}}} & {{Formula}\quad (1)} \end{matrix}$

[0133] (C. Measurement of a Color Value)

[0134] Colorimetric values of the painted panels were obtained using MA-68II (Portable Multi-Angle Spectrophotometer) made by X-Rite. The color coordinate system of CIELAB was used.

[0135] MA-68II is a multi-angle spectrophotometer capable of aspecular measurements of L*a*b*, ΔL*Δa*Δb*, L*C*h degrees, ΔL*, ΔC*, ΔH*, a flop index, Δflop index, and so on. Further, the spectrophotometer has a 45-degree illumination, enabling measurements at 15, 25, 45, 75, and 110 degrees.

[0136] Using the colorimetric values obtained as above, color values described at step S322 (color value calculation step) were calculated.

[0137] Here, the color values obtained by CCM may be used.

[0138] (D. Mottling Visual Evaluation)

[0139] Mottling of the panels prepared at “preparing painted panels” was visually evaluated, and a visual mottling value was determined.

[0140] (E. Calculation of a Correlation Formula)

[0141] Then, the correlation formula was generated using QSAR analysis software (Cerius2 made by Accelrys) with the visual mottling value serving as an objective variable, and the glitter representing value, the calorimetric values, and the color values being the independent variables.

[0142]FIG. 7 tables the glitter representing value, the visual mottling value, the colorimetric values, and the color values of the painted panels having IDs “A020068” through “A020078”.

[0143] An example of the QSAR analysis is shown in FIG. 8, where 10 correlation formulae and respective parameters that contribute to each of the correlation formulas are shown. There, X1 represents the chroma saturation (C*) at a 45 degree light-receiving angle, X2 represents the glitter representing value, X3 represents L* at a 15 degree light-receiving angle, X4 represents the brightness FF (i.e., 15 degree L* value−110 degree L* value), X5 represents the hue angle FF (i.e., 15 degree hue angle−110 degree hue angle), X6 represents the chroma saturation FF (i.e., 15 degree C* value−110 degree C* value), X7 represents the hue angles at a 45 degree light-receiving angle, and y represents the visual mottling.

[0144] From the QSAR analysis results, a mottling calculation formula that gives the highest correlation to the visual mottling (serving as an objective variable) was made the mottling value calculation formula y. The correlation formula given in the first line of FIG. 7 was adopted, which was generalized as follows.

y=A+bX 1 ² +cX 1 a ² +dX 2 a+eX 2 b+fX 3 a+gX 4 a ²   Formula (2)

[0145] Here, the variables are as follows.

[0146] y: mottling value

[0147] X1=45 degree C* value,

[0148] X2=glitter representing value

[0149] X3=15 degree L* value

[0150] X4=brightness FF value (15 degree L* value−110 degree L* value)

[0151] X1 a=(2.25−X1)

[0152] X2 a=(X2−97.0)

[0153] X2 b=(X2−90.0)

[0154] X3 a=(103.37−X3)

[0155] X4 a=(52.36−X4)

[0156] Here, as for X1 a, X2 a, X2 b, X3 a, and X4 a, if the value is less than “0”, the value is made to “0”.

[0157] That is, X1 a is valid when X1 is less than 2.25, X2 a is valid when X2 exceeds 97, X2 b is valid when X2 exceeds 90, X3 a is valid when X3 is less than 103.37, and X4 a is valid when X4 is less than 52.36.

[0158] Further, a through g are constants having values as follows.

[0159] a=3.35962 b=0.000474 c=0.11361 d=0.057642 e=−0.064096 f=−0.006376 g=0.000767

[0160] Here, the correlation coefficient R of the visual mottling value to the mottling value according to Formula (2) was 0.885.

[0161] As seen from FIG. 9, the correlation between the visual mottling and the calculated mottling according to the correlation formula (2) is high. Accordingly, the correlation formula (2) proves to be a useful tool for predicting the mottling.

[0162] (F. Application of the Mottling Formula)

[0163] (1) Calculation of Blend

[0164] The paint color serving as the target was determined, the blending information of which was determined with reference to the blending information database, and as follows.

[0165] Aluminum flake pigment A 0.2

[0166] Aluminum flake pigment B 11.4

[0167] Carbon black pigment A 0.1

[0168] Organic reddish pigment A 0.04

[0169] Organic bluish pigment A 0.4

[0170] Total 12.14

[0171] (2) Calculation of the Glitter Representing Value

[0172] Based on Formula (1) described above, the glitter representing value was calculated.

[0173] As the result, the glitter representing value was determined to be 130.94.

[0174] (3) Acquisition of a Color Value

[0175] The prediction color values obtained by CCM were used.

[0176] (4) Calculation of the Mottling Value

[0177] The glitter representing value and the color values obtained as above were substituted into the mottling calculation formula, Formula (2), for obtaining the mottling value.

[0178] Here, X1-X4 a were provided as follows.

[0179] X1=11.13 X2=130.94 X3=117.93 X4=96.17 X1 a=0 X2 a=33.94 X2 b=40.94 X3 a=0 X4 a=0

[0180] The calculation result, that is, the mottling value y was determined to be 2.75.

[0181] Since the visual mottling of the painted panel “A020078” was 2.25, the calculated-result sufficiently matches, and Formula 2 provides an accurate prediction.

[0182] In this manner, the mottling value almost equal to the visual evaluation was acquired by the calculation formula according to the present invention.

[0183] Since the embodiment of the present invention uses the color values of a target paint film, an accurate prediction of paint film mottling can be obtained.

[0184] (Paint Film Mottling Prediction Apparatus)

[0185]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a paint film mottling prediction apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The paint film mottling prediction apparatus 100 includes the blending information database 10 for storing blending information, the glitter representing value database 20 for storing glitter representing values, the color value database 30 for storing color values, a visual mottling value database 40 for storing visual mottling values, glitter representing value acquisition means 101 for acquiring glitter representing values of a blended paint and individual color materials, visual mottling acquisition means 102 for acquiring visual mottling values of painted panels, paint film mottling prediction formula generating means 103 for generating a paint film mottling prediction formula, paint film mottling prediction means 104 for calculating the predicted paint film mottling by substituting the glitter representing value and the color values into the paint film mottling prediction formula, paint film information acquisition means 105 for acquiring paint film information, blending information acquisition means 106 for acquiring blending information from the paint film information, and color information acquisition means 107 for acquiring color information from the blending information.

[0186] The blending information database 10 stores goniospectral reflectance data of various coloring pigments and glittering color materials, such that a blending ratio of a color specified by color systems such as CIELAB, RGB, and XYZ can be determined. Further, the color values of a given color can be calculated using the blending information database 10. Here, the CCM database of a CCM database apparatus can replace the blending information database 10.

[0187] The glitter representing value database 20 stores glitter representing values that express properties of brightness images of paint films of the painted panels, the glitter representing values being acquired at step S31 and stored at step S33 in association with the pigments. Further, the color value database 30 stores color values of the paint films, the color values being acquired at step S32 and stored at step S34 in association with the pigments.

[0188] The glitter representing value acquisition means 101 acquires the glitter representing value of a blended paint, or each color material through step S11 (glitter representing value calculation step), or step S31 (glitter representing value calculation step). The visual mottling acquisition means 102 acquires the visual mottling value of the paint films of the painted panels prepared and evaluated at step S10 (preparation and evaluation of painted panels for generating the mottling calculation formula). The paint film mottling prediction formula generation means 103 includes image generation means for irradiating light to a paint film and generating a brightness image of the paint film based on the light that is reflected, glitter representing value calculation means for calculating the glitter representing value expressing properties of the brightness image generated by the image generation means, color value acquisition means for acquiring the color values of the light that is separately measured, the light being received at predetermined angles in reference to the incident light to the paint film, and visual evaluation value acquisition means for acquiring the visual evaluation value of the paint film mottling that is evaluated separately; wherein QSAR analysis is performed based on the glitter representing value acquired by the glitter representing value acquisition means 101, the color values acquired by the color value acquisition means, and the visual evaluation value acquired by the visual evaluation value acquisition means such that the paint film mottling prediction formula is generated.

[0189] The paint film mottling prediction means 104 obtains the predicted paint film mottling by substituting the glitter representing value acquired by the glitter representing value acquisition means 101, and the color values acquired by the color information acquisition means 107 into the paint film mottling prediction formula generated by the paint film mottling prediction formula generation means 103.

[0190] The paint film information acquisition means 105 acquires information about a paint film. The blending information acquisition means 106 acquires blending information with reference to the blending information database 10 based on the paint film information acquired by the paint film information acquisition means 105.

[0191] The color information acquisition means 107 acquires color information based on the blending information acquired by the blending information acquisition means 106.

[0192] As described above, the present invention provides the paint film mottling prediction method, the paint film mottling prediction program, the computer-readable storage medium, and the paint film mottling prediction apparatus, wherein the mottling of a blended paint is predicted by substituting the glitter representing value and the color values of the paint concerned based on the blending information of the blended paint into the paint mottling calculation formula.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0193] Further, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but various variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0194] The present application is based on Japanese Priority Application No. 2003-125466 filed on Apr. 30, 2003 with the Japanese Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 

What is claimed is
 1. A paint film mottling prediction method wherein a glitter representing value expressing properties of a brightness image of a paint film and color values of the paint film are substituted into a paint film mottling prediction formula, the method comprising: a blending information acquisition step for acquiring blending information from paint film information of the paint film with reference to a blending information database that stores the blending information, and a paint film information acquisition step for acquiring the glitter representing value and the color values of the paint film from the blending information with reference to a paint film mottling forecast database that stores the glitter representing value and the color values.
 2. A paint film mottling prediction method wherein a paint film mottling prediction formula is generated through a process comprising: an image generation step for generating a brightness image of the paint film by irradiating light to the paint film, and receiving the light reflected by the paint film, a glitter representing value calculation step for calculating a glitter representing value expressing properties of a brightness image generated at the image generation step, a color value acquisition step for acquiring the color values of the reflected light received at predetermined angles with reference to the incident angle of the light irradiated to the paint film, colorimetric measurement of the reflected light being separately carried out, a visual evaluation value acquisition step for acquiring the visual evaluation value of the paint film mottling of the paint film, the visual evaluation being separately carried out, and a paint film mottling calculation formula generation step for generating the paint film mottling calculation formula based on the glitter representing value calculated at the glitter representing value calculation step, the color values acquired at the color value acquisition step, and the visual evaluation value acquired at the visual evaluation value acquisition step.
 3. The paint film mottling prediction method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the paint film mottling prediction formula is generated using QSAR analysis.
 4. The paint film mottling prediction method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glitter representing value is a sum of gray-scale gradation step values of the brightness image to which a spatial-frequency differential process is applied.
 5. The paint film mottling prediction method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the spatial-frequency differential process is one of a Sobel filter, a Roberts filter, and a Laplacian filter.
 6. The paint film mottling prediction method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the color values comprise at least one of a chroma value, an FF value of the chroma value, a brightness value, an FF value of the brightness value at the predetermined angles at which the light reflected by the paint film is received, a hue angle in the predetermined angles, and a hue angle difference.
 7. A computer-executable program for executing the paint film mottling prediction method as claimed in claim
 1. 8. A computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer-executable program as claimed in claim
 7. 9. A paint film mottling prediction apparatus for predicting paint film mottling by substituting a glitter representing value expressing properties of a brightness image of a paint film and color values of the paint film into a paint film mottling prediction formula, the apparatus comprising: a blending information database for storing blending information, a paint film mottling forecast database for storing the glitter representing value and the color values, blending information acquisition means for acquiring the blending information from paint film information of the paint film with reference to the blending information database, and paint film information acquisition means for acquiring the glitter representing value and the color values of the paint film from the blending information with reference to the paint film mottling forecast database. 